Trump’s Impulsive Foreign Policy Is Tearing Apart the Global Order

In this episode of 'More to the Story' from Reveal, host Al Letson speaks with historian Daniel Imovar about the destabilizing impact of Donald Trump's foreign policy on the post-World War II liberal international order. Imovar argues that Trump's approach is not imperial in the traditional sense—seeking to build a vast administrative empire—but rather 'cannibalistic,' dismantling the very institutions and alliances that the U.S. helped create. Rather than a coherent strategy, Trump’s foreign policy reflects a transactional worldview: if the U.S. is going to bear the burden of global leadership, it should be paid for. This mindset, rooted in decades of rhetoric, has led to unilateral actions like the attack on Iran, threats to take over Greenland, and destabilization of allies—all without regard for long-term consequences. Imovar introduces the concept of 'regime change nihilism,' where Trump shows indifference to the outcomes of his interventions, treating foreign affairs as short-term, hit-and-run operations. The episode explores how this erosion of U.S. soft power may create a vacuum filled by rising powers like China, while also risking global chaos or a new multilateral order led by medium-sized nations like Canada. The discussion raises urgent concerns about nuclear brinkmanship, especially given Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric toward Iran and his demonstrated willingness to defy expert advice.